About ABFAS

Our History

Serving you for 40 years!

Recognizing the need for a surgical specialty board within the field of podiatry, the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) approved the creation of the National Board of Podiatric Surgery. Today that board is called the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery® (ABFAS).

The primary function of ABFAS is to certify qualified podiatric surgeons. Initially we offered a single certification in foot and ankle surgery. Today certifications may be obtained in foot surgery or foot and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery. Prior to receiving certification, candidates must become board qualified in either foot surgery or reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery. ABFAS continues to review and change the certification exams and effective in 2015, now uses a rigorous Case Evaluation process combined with a Computer-based Patient Simulation examination.

Those certified in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery take recertification examinations every ten years to remain certified. Diplomates who became credentialed before 1991 must self-assess every ten years. Additionally, residents can test their knowledge through the In-training examination.